FCA recalls nearly 600,000 Jeep Wranglers, Fiat 500s

Some 506,420 Wranglers are being recalled to inspect the clockspring, a part in the steering wheel that aids with airbag deployment.

FCA said in a statement that dust and dirt gathered from off-road driving can “compromise the clockspring and eventually prevent driver-side airbag deployment in a crash.”

Compromised clocksprings will activate the Wrangler’s airbag warning lamp, in which case drivers should notify a dealership, FCA said.

In the U.S., the recall includes 392,464 Wranglers from the 2007-10 model years and 7,435 from the 2011-16 model years with right-hand drive for special duty.

FCA estimates 35,412 of the recalled Wranglers are in Canada, 8,529 are in Mexico and 62,580 are elsewhere.

FCA said it is unaware of any injuries or accidents related to the clockspring issue. It discovered the problem following an investigation.

The automaker said it will install new steering-wheel back covers and steering-column shrouds on the affected SUVs after customers are notified.

Fiat recall

FCA is also recalling 80,474 Fiat 500s from the 2012-16 model years with manual transmissions globally to fix a glitch with the clutch release system.

FCA said an investigation found that clutch travel could “exceed design parameters,” which can ultimately restrict gear shifts and propulsion. FCA said 0.01 percent of the recalled population had damage.

The recall does not affect cars with turbocharged engines.

No injuries or accidents related to the problem have been reported.

FCA said 39,217 of the cars are in the U.S., while 7,834 are in Canada, 7,155 are in Mexico and 26,268 are elsewhere.